Plastic connectors specialist Molex supports Prusa Research’s global scale up efforts

Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, is growing along with Prusa Research, a rising star in the fast-paced world of 3D printing with more than 1,000 employees on three continents supporting a diverse and devoted base of customers worldwide. The Prague-based company strives to offer seamless experiences and unmatched flexibility for various printing needs.

Guided by a steadfast commitment to community, sustainability, and open-source hardware and software principles, Prusa offers its printers fully assembled or as Do-It-Yourself (DIY) printer kits. Equally important is the ability for customers to unlock new capabilities over time through hardware and software modifications, add-ons and upgrades.

“Prusa Research needed connectivity systems with the right balance of functionality and simplicity without compromising quality,” said Brian Hauge, SVP and president, Consumer and Commercial Solutions, Molex. “With support from Arrow Electronics, we provide a full portfolio of robust yet easy-to-reuse connectors. Molex also stays in lockstep with Arrow and Prusa engineers to align emerging printer designs with new innovative connector solutions to ease new product introductions and upgrades.”

When people see a genuine product, it makes them feel safe,” says Michal. “When you connect CLIK-Mate, it makes an audible click, and that just feels very good.Michal Prusa, Hardware Designer, Prusa Research

Prusa’s customer focus, passion for community and strong technology partnerships are driving a sustained rate of incredible growth. Last year, the company processed more than 300,000 orders for printers, filaments, resins and accessories while opening a U.S. subsidiary called Printed Solid in Newark, Del., to further expand global reach by manufacturing printers and filaments in the United States.

“In 2024, Prusa grew 25% year over year, and we are excited for this year, which will be even bigger,” said Josef Prusa, CEO of Prusa Research. “We populated over one million parts using Molex CLIK-Mate connectors last year and they all have performed very well. We now have more than 20 printer designs that use Molex connectors. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with Arrow and Molex to drive our further expansion in Europe while building out manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.”

Prusa deployed Molex CLIK-Mate wire-to-board connectors to drive sustained growth, aligning well with the company’s high-performance and straightforward operation standards. Ideal for devices that require connectors to carry more signal lines in less space, these wire-to-board connectors feature a unique tuning-fork terminal design that provides low insertion force while maintaining secure contacts.

Prusa particularly appreciates the audible “click” sound that offers immediate confirmation of secure contact, easy automatic board placement and simplified set-up for at-home customers. CLIK-Mate connectors prevent DIY users from inserting them in the wrong orientation and enable Prusa engineers to streamline production by speeding surface mount technology (SMT) line assembly.

Prusa also deploys compact, high-performance Molex Micro-Fit Connectors, which blend power and flexibility without impacting space or reliability. In addition, Molex micro coaxial RF connectors are used to link Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectors, along with other Molex solutions for supporting high-speed data and RF microwave technology.

Up to 16 types of CLIK-Mate connectors currently help Prusa streamline printer production. Molex connectors are featured across Prusa’s printer line, including the new CORE One printer, which hit the market this past January. Other connectivity solutions, such as Molex’s Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors and custom connectivity solutions, are being explored to enhance support for existing and new printers.